Jeanne "Russell" Keenan

Jeanne Keenan of Waltham, affectionately known as Jeannie to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, August 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, the compassionate staff at Maristhill Nursing Center in Waltham, and Good Shepherd Hospice of Newton. Jeannie was 78 years old.

Born in Cambridge on May 11, 1947, Jeannie was the daughter of Arthur W. Russell (Booty) and Jeanne J. (Hillery) Russell. Jeannie spent her early years in Cambridge and Belmont, attending the local schools, before making Waltham her home.

Jeannie dedicated much of her working life to helping others. She spent many years driving the local school children and later became an elder aide with Home Instead. Jeannie also gave her time as a volunteer at Maristhill, where her compassion and special way of caring for the elderly touched many lives.

Jeannie was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Ladies Auxiliary Post #1272 on Trapelo Road in Belmont for several years. In her free time, she loved playing Bingo and embraced every opportunity to travel with her family and friends. Among her many adventures, Jeannie especially treasured the moments spent with her son David and their travels together.

Jeannie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Keenan, in 2000.

She is survived by her dear son, David Arthur Russell; and her devoted and loving sisters, Susan Karyanis, Virginia Dushame, Kathleen Grinnell, and Rose Sullivan. She is a cherished aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Jeannie will be remembered for her warm heart, selfless care for others, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

Those who wish to pay their respects to Jeannie and her family can do so in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on TUESDAY morning August 19th from 9:30 until 11:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at the Chapel beginning at 11:30am to celebrate Jeannie's life. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the MSPA (MSPCA-Angell) or to the Waltham Community Day Center (CDCW).